Helping hands

Our flagship conservation volunteering programme

Litter picking, Snowdon

The work of our volunteers is part of the network that keeps our National Parks going.  Our team of dedicated volunteers contribute to long-term programmes of essential work: maintaining footpaths, controlling invasive plant species, clearing litter, and managing habitats for the benefit of wildlife.  It isn’t all about damage limitation, though that is a vital element.  Much of our work involves practical enhancement and our training programme helps inspire and deepen people’s knowledge and appreciation of Snowdonia, its heritage, habitats and wildlife.

Since the Snowdonia society’s formation over 50 years ago our practical conservation programme has gone from strength to strength.  We now deliver several activities each week, enabling hundreds of people to give thousands of hours of their time towards looking after Snowdonia each year.  Volunteers have the opportunity to give something back to Snowdonia and explore and enjoy some of the most beautiful and special areas in the country.  They also gain practical experience, knowledge, confidence and a range of skills which boost their employability.

The achievements of our Helping Hands volunteering programme were recently recognised with the award of Highly Commended at the Campaign for National Parks 2018 Park Protector Awards.

Volunteers maintaining a footpath in June 2018

What our volunteers say:

“The Society are really friendly, and it is great to meet like-minded volunteers.”

“A great opportunity to learn a variety of skills and meet inspiring people from conservation organisations working in the area.”

“You will go home with a feeling of satisfaction, having contributed to the conservation of such an important landscape of the UK.”

We work with many partners who make up team Snowdonia, including Snowdonia National Park Authority, Natural Resources Wales, North Wales Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust and the National Trust.

Our volunteer project, Helping Hands: Growing Caru Eryri has received £249,940 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by Gwynedd Council.